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After deferring to offensive co-ordinator Gary Crowton last week, then firing Crowton on Sunday, Blue Bombers head coach Tim Burke has chosen Max Hall as his starting quarterback.

Burke cited Hall’s performance in Friday’s 37-18 loss to Hamilton and his leadership qualities as the reasons for choosing him over veteran Buck Pierce for Saturday’s road rematch.

“He did some real positive things in the game, and moved the ball probably the most of any of the quarterbacks this year in a game,” Burke said. “The other thing is, he has a lot of intangibles that bring his teammates together. They rally around him.”

Hall had a modest CFL debut — 241 yards passing, one touchdown, two interceptions and just 11 points on offence.

Burke hopes the 27-year-old former NFLer represents more than just the potential future.

“I just feel really good about Max right now,” he said. “As far as the three go, he might give us the best chance (to win).”

“We all put forth our thoughts, and coach Burke made the decision to go with Max,” Bellefeuille said. “It really comes down to the head coach’s decision. We talked about a lot of different situations. Max is the guy, and we’re going to get behind him and support him.”

At the same time, Bellefeuille said he was open to inserting Buck Pierce during the game.

“It’s always the head coach’s decision when the hook comes,” the former Ticats head coach said. “I don’t want our quarterback to go in there, whoever’s playing, to feel like he’s going to get hooked. As long as he’s staying in the structure of the offence.”

The least mobile of the three quarterbacks, Hall says he feels comfortable with new schemes that will have the quarterback rolling out of the pocket more.

“I don’t mind it,” Hall said. “I’m not a guy who’s going to run the triple-option, but I can sprint out and get out of the pocket every once in a while. It keeps the defence honest.”

Hall acknowledges changing co-ordinators mid-season is a first for him, and presents some challenges.

“I’ve never been part of this,” he said. “Just new thoughts, getting to know a new co-ordinator, getting inside his mind now and trying to do exactly what he wants you to do — that’ll come with time. But he’s done a great job in one day getting us on the same page.”